Artsline: Virtual Edition || November 15, 2021
“When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.” ~Tecumseh
While it feels like the slippery slope into the winter holidays, take a moment to remember that we are still in November and there is still a moment to pause and give thanks for the amazing place where we live and the stellar artists, performers, and makers who bring beauty and perspective to our lives. Check out the films offered this week from Native American artists throughout North America, as well as music, theatre, and crafts that will challenge and comfort you in this reflective time.
To list your events on Artsline, go to vpm.org/artsline.
1. 5TH ANNUAL POCAHONTAS REFRAMED FILM FESTIVAL
Film, Culture
November 19-21
Online & The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, 23220
VIP Pass - $75, Weekend Pass - $25, Online Pass - $10
Representation matters. Storytelling and filmmaking have suffered from a dearth of representation of important groups that influenced American democracy, notably Native Americans. Native culture is rich, steeped in history, and multifaceted, yet mainstream films do not often capture this nuance. This three-day festival offers a series of films by Native American filmmakers that tell an expansive range of stories about Native American experiences and cultures. Events run all day and include films and panel discussions with prominent Native American filmmakers, performers, artists, and other speakers. Purchase tickets online. (VPM is a sponsor of the Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival.)
2. GELLMAN ROOM CONCERT: RVA BAROQUE'S PREVIEW OF JULIE, MONSTER
Music
November 20, 2pm
Richmond Public Library Main Branch, 101 E Franklin St, Richmond, 23219
The Richmond Public Library brings RVA Baroque to share a preview of their brand-new opera Julie, Monster. This opera tells the story of Julie d'Aubigny, a legendary sword fighter, opera singer, and lover from the time of Louis XIV. The score combines French Baroque pieces, modern music in the baroque style and songs in contemporary modes such as folk, blues and rock. No registration required.
3. CRAFT + DESIGN ONLINE
Visual Art, Crafts
November 17-21
Online and at various pop-ups and studios
Shopping online is free, $15 early online access
Prices vary for in-person events
Craft + Design is a museum-quality show, produced by the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, that has garnered a reputation for showcasing the finest in contemporary craft. Craft + Design kicks off the official holiday shopping season in Richmond, VA where shoppers spend the weekend browsing the works of over 100 artists from all over the country. This year, Craft + Design will offer online shopping plus in-person, ticketed events. Purchase tickets online.
4. YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST: A BIOGRAPHY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON
History, Literary Art
November 17, 6pm
Online
Join The Library of Virginia for their Weinstein Author Series talk by historian and New York Times best-selling author Alexis Coe on her book You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington, which takes a closer look at our first president and finds he is not quite the man we remember. The Carole Weinstein Author Series supports the literary arts by bringing both new and well-known authors to the Library of Virginia through online or in-person events. Free and open to the public, the series focuses on Virginia authors and Virginia subjects across all genres. PLEASE NOTE: Due to travel constraints, this event is now virtual. Register online to receive a reminder email with the Zoom link prior to the event.
5. JR TUCKER DRAMA'S CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR
Visual Art, Crafts
November 20, 10am
JR Tucker High School, 2910 N Parham Rd, Richmond, 23294
In preparation for the holidays, the JR Tucker Drama student group invites you to get your holiday shopping knocked out in a one-stop-shop event! Fifty local artisans, crafters, makers and small businesses will be there ready to stuff your stockings full of goodies! All craft sales support JR Tucker High School drama students as they earn their way to perform at Edinburgh's famed Fringe Festival in Scotland. No registration required.
6. ROYALS, THE CHURNING WAKE OF WORLD WAR I, AND THE WAY TO RICHMOND’S AGECROFT HALL
History
November 20, 11am
Agecroft Hall & Gardens, 4305 Sulgrave Rd, Richmond, 23221
$10 – Adults, $7 - Students
Queen Victoria’s descendants have left a stunning history of greatness and disaster in their wake. In this presentation presented by Agecroft Hall, Dr. Nancy Parrish traces the royal foreground to The Great War and the embracing of that war by the British aristocracy. Parrish examines as well how the turbulence of that conflict led--in part--to the fall and rise of Winston Churchill, the purchase of houses such as Agecroft Hall, and the changed image and role of the current royal family. Purchase tickets online.
7. LA BOHÈME: RODOLFO REMEMBERS
Opera
November 19, 8pm
November 21, 2:30pm
Dominion Energy Center, 600 E Grace St, Richmond, 23219
$18.75 - $130
Virginia Opera returns to their mainstage venues with a fresh take on a fan favorite with Puccini’s La Bohème: Rodolfo Remembers. Take your seat and join the merry band of bohemians in a carefully tailored production that will be under two hours without an intermission. This intimate take on Puccini’s classic is full of emotion and some of the most memorable pieces in all of opera. A perfect introduction to anyone curious about opera. Purchase tickets online. (Video used with permission from Virginia Opera. Photo credit: Ben Schill Photography.)
8. SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS
Theatre
November 19 – December 5
8pm Fridays & Saturdays, 3pm Sundays
Perkinsons Center for Arts & Education, Centre Street, Chester, 23831
$35 – Adults, $20 – Students
The Illuminated Stage Theatre Company presents Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks by Richard Alfieri. Through the power of music and dance, a new friendship between two unlikely friends reminds us that in the end we’re all just here to dance each other home! Purchase tickets online.
9. COLONIAL BAKING WITH 18TH CENTURY BAKER JUSTIN CHERRY
History
November 16 & 23, noon
Online
$10/person
Join Stratford Hall for two evenings with baker Justin Cherry as he bakes in Stratford’s original 1738 oven! Learn a few tips and tricks from the professional baker and impress your guests at Thanksgiving with a historic recipe. The November 16th program will focus on colonial bread baking techniques and November 23rd program will highlight savory pies and pastries. Recipes will be shared following the program. Pre-registration required.
10. ORGAN CONCERT - CLARA GERDES
Music
November 19, 7:30pm
River Road Church, Baptist, 8000 River Road, Richmond, 23229
The Richmond Chapter of the American Guild of Organists brings Clara Gerdes, 2017 First Prize winner of the AGO Mid-Atlantic Regional Organ Playing Competition and Assistant Organist at Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, New York City. She will perform works by Walton, Durufle, Coleridge-Taylor, Reger, Litaize, and Liszt. No registration required.
If you are an arts or cultural organization with lectures, exhibitions, performances, or even book readings, submit your events to Artsline here. If you are an artist or an arts or cultural organization in need of resources and tools, check out the list of local and national resources from Richmond CultureWorks.
